Situations arise when the standard arrangement of refrigerator doors becomes inconvenient quite often. Perhaps you are about to remodel your kitchen or simply want your appliances to fit harmoniously into your new interior. For equipment owners Atlant this problem is solved quite simply, since the design of most models initially provides for the possibility of changing the opening side. It is only important to act carefully and follow the sequence of operations so as not to damage the fittings.
The rearrangement process requires a minimal set of tools and takes on average about 30-40 minutes. Main difficulty is not the dismantling itself, but the correct sequence of removing the elements and subsequent adjustment of the tight fit. If you violate the procedure, you may encounter misalignment of the valves or damage to the seal. Below we will analyze in detail all stages of the work so that you can complete the task yourself without turning to the experts.
Before starting the active phase of work, it is necessary to prepare the workplace. Make sure there is enough room to maneuver around the refrigerator, as the removed doors take up a lot of space. It is also worth emptying the shelves and drawers in advance to make the structure lighter and to avoid food falling when the case is tilted.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the outlet to eliminate the risk of short circuiting or accidentally turning on the compressor while manipulating the wiring, if your model has it.
Required tools and preparation
You do not need complex industrial equipment to successfully complete the task. A basic DIY kit, which most men have, is enough. The main requirement for tools is serviceability and compliance with the dimensions of the fasteners, so as not to tear off the bolt heads. Usually, refrigerators are supplied with a special key, but its use is not always convenient due to the soft structure of the metal. Atlant There is already a special key, but its use is not always convenient due to the soft structure of the metal.
It is recommended to use the following arsenal:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (flat and cross) - the main tools for removing plugs and screws.
- 🔩 Open-end or socket wrenches (usually 10 mm) - necessary for working with the main fastening bolts of the hinges.
- 🧤 Protective gloves - sharp metal edges of parts can damage the skin if moved carelessly.
- 📏 Soft fabric or cardboard —will be needed for placing under removed doors so as not to scratch the floor or the equipment itself.
Special attention should be paid adjusting washers. In some models they may get lost or require replacement if the old ones are deformed. Check the package in advance. Also have a container ready to hold small screws and plugs so they don't get lost during the process. The loss of even one small screw can stop the whole process.
Rearrangement scheme for two-chamber models
Two-chamber refrigerators Atlant are the most common, and the procedure for changing the opening side is standardized for them. Always start work from the top door of the freezer. This allows you to maintain the stability of the structure in the first stages. First, you need to remove the top decorative panel, if present, and unscrew the fastening bolts of the top hinge.
After removing the top hinge, the door is carefully lifted and removed from the bottom pin. Do not try to do this with a jerk; the weight of the door can be significant. Next, similar actions are performed with the bottom door of the refrigerator compartment. The intermediate hinges are removed and the door is removed to a safe place. Now the case is ready for reconfiguration.
The key point is to rearrange the hardware elements to the opposite side.
- 🔄 The vacated holes are installed hinges, which were previously dismantled.
- 🕳️ In the holes where the hinges were previously attached, decorative plugs are installed decorative plugs.
- 🔩 If the design provides for it, the stopper is turned over handle or the stopper is rearranged.
The doors are installed in the reverse order: first the lower one, then the upper one. It is important to get the pin into the hinge hole correctly. After installing all the elements in place, it is necessary to check the freedom of movement and tightness of closure. If the door does not close completely, you will need height adjustment pins.
☑️ Checklist before starting work
Features of three-chamber Atlant refrigerators
Models with three chambers (freezer, refrigerator and “zero temperature” zone or additional freezer) have a more complex hinge design. Here another level of door joining is added. The principle of operation remains the same, but the number of removed elements increases. Particular attention should be paid to the middle part, where the “no frost” system with additional air ducts is often located. mechanical lock or a “no frost” system with additional air ducts.
When working with three-chamber systems, it is important not to confuse the sequence of removing the hinges. Usually the top door is dismantled first, then the middle one, and only then the bottom one. This is due to the fact that the lower hinges often support the weight of the entire structure above them. Atlant designs its devices taking into account such a load, but it’s not worth the risk.
In some models with the system No Frost power wires for indicators can pass through the loops opening the door or displays.
⚠️ Attention: If you find wires running through the hinges, do not pull the door with force under any circumstances. Carefully disconnect the connectors, having previously photographed their position, so as not to confuse the contacts during assembly.
After rehanging all three doors, be sure to check the operation of the defrost system and the tightness of each circuit. Gaps in three-chamber models are critical for maintaining the correct temperature in all zones.
Moving the handle and replacing plugs
The appearance of the refrigerator after rearranging the doors should not give away the work done. To do this, all vacated holes are closed with plugs, and the handle is transferred to the new side. In modern models Atlant handles are often hidden or integrated, which simplifies the task, but in classic models physical transfer is required.
The process of transferring a handle depends on its type:
- 🖐 Overlay handle: simply unscrewed on one side and screwed onto symmetrical holes with another.
- 🔘 Mortise handle: may require careful squeezing out of the seat and installation in a new hole on the reverse side.
Plugs usually have a universal shape and are simply inserted into the holes with finger or light force tapping with the handle of a screwdriver. If your model does not have handles or they are part of the design, skip this step. The main thing is that all technological holes are closed to preserve aesthetics and protect the internal space from dust.
What to do if the plugs are lost?
If you have lost decorative plugs, you can order them at the Atlant service center or pick up universal analogues in furniture fittings stores. You can temporarily seal the holes with colored tape to match the refrigerator, but this is not aesthetically pleasing.
Adjusting doors and eliminating distortions
After installing doors in a new location, a situation often arises when they do not fit tightly or are skewed. This is normal and requires final adjustment. Adjustment is carried out using special screws on the hinges or changing the height of the support pins. Tight fit Critical for saving energy and preserving food.
To check the quality of the adjustment, use a simple test: hold a piece of paper between the door and the body and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out easily without resistance, the fit is insufficient. If it tears, it's too strong. It is optimal when the paper is removed with noticeable force along the entire length of the perimeter.
Table of problems and methods for eliminating them:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not fit on top | The upper pin is low | Raise the hinge or unscrew the adjusting screw |
| Gap at the bottom | Casing distortion or wear seal | Adjust the refrigerator support legs |
| The door slams when closing | The hinges are too tight | Slightly loosen the hinge mounting bolts |
| Spontaneous opening | Floor slope or weak magnet | Align the refrigerator with level |
Do not forget that the new seal (if you changed that too) may take time to “grind in.” In the first days of operation, the door may be difficult to close.
Common mistakes and precautions
Even following the instructions, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to breakdown. The most common of them is an attempt to remove the door without fixing the body. The refrigerator may fall or tip over, especially if it is tall and narrow. Always hold the body or ask someone to help you.
Another mistake is the loss of small parts. The screws from the top and bottom hinges may differ in length. If you screw a long screw into a short threaded hole, you can damage the door body or the hinge itself. Carefully sort the fasteners as you dismantle them, placing them in separate piles for each door.
It is also worth mentioning the fragility of plastic. Decorative panels and plugs are easily broken if handled carelessly. Proceed without fanaticism; if the element does not fit, check whether all the screws are unscrewed. Sometimes a hidden fastener can hold the part.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design of the hinges may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the refrigerator. If you see that the design is very different from that described, check the official documentation for your model.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to reverse the doors if the refrigerator is in a niche?
Technically it is possible, but extremely inconvenient. You will need free space on the sides of at least 50-70 cm to maneuver the doors and your presence. It is better to move the refrigerator to an open place.
Do you need to wait after turning on the refrigerator if it was tilted?
Yes, if during the work you tilted the body strongly (more than 40 degrees), compressor oil could get into the circuit. It is recommended to let the refrigerator stand unplugged for 2-4 hours before starting it for the first time.
What to do if a whistle appears after rehanging?
The whistle usually indicates friction of metal on metal or plastic. Check that the wires (if any) are not pinched or touching the housing hinges. Lubrication or re-adjustment of the gaps may be required.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the rules of most service centers, if you did not damage the equipment in the process, the warranty remains valid. However, if you strip the threads or break the door, it will be considered a non-warranty event. Be careful.